Safely Wearing Contacts in the Workplace

It’s typically safe to wear contacts at work, but you should take extra precautions to protect your eyes. Here’s what you need to know about safely wearing contacts on the job.

Safely using contacts at work doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep in mind these simple tips to protect your vision.

• Take proper care of your contacts. Different types of contacts require different care routines. But generally speaking, always properly store reusable pairs or swap out disposables on time. Avoid damage by keeping your contacts somewhere safe, like a locker or breakroom. Clean your hands before removing or putting in contacts, and always have a cleaning solution on-hand in case of contamination.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing your eyes while at work exposes them to a whole bunch of germs and bacteria. The risk is even greater if you’re wearing contacts. Grime can get trapped between the lenses and your eyes, leading to an infection. Rubbing contacts can also damage your cornea, which may require medical intervention.

• Have a backup plan and an extra pair. Accidents can still happen even if you’re careful. Whether it’s a damaged lens or contamination, you need a plan if something goes wrong. Have an extra pair of contacts with you or bring a pair of backup glasses.

• Replace your contacts as needed. Reusable contacts need to be replaced eventually, and disposable pairs should never be worn overtime. For many people, that means putting in a new pair daily. Reusable lenses are often good for up to 30 days, but check with your eye care specialist to be sure. And remember: never risk wearing damaged or contaminated lenses. Always replace your contacts with a backup pair if there’s an accident.

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety glasses. PPE is key to staying safe on the job. Always use safety glasses with sturdy frames and shatter-proof lenses. You can wear non-prescription safety glasses over your contacts, or choose prescription lenses for safe eyes and clear vision all in one.

• Remove contaminated contacts. You should always wear safety glasses on the job to keep foreign objects out of your eyes. But if something goes wrong, remove the contaminated contacts immediately to avoid eye damage and follow your workplace’s safety protocols.

• Be aware of risky situations. Awareness is a big part of staying safe at work. When it comes to safely using contacts, be mindful of risky situations. Use your best judgment, and don’t start projects until you’re wearing the right eye protection.

• Listen to your eye care specialist. Ultimately, eye safety is all about listening to the experts. Listen to your eye care specialist to stay safe while wearing contacts at work.

At Ocusafe, we’re dedicated to making eye protection easy for everyone. That’s why our durable safety glasses are available with or without prescription lenses. Protect your contacts at work with a pair of non-prescription safety glasses — or ditch contacts altogether by choosing durable prescription lenses. Either way, you’ll enjoy reliable eye protection on the job. Order today!